[Tokusatsu Themes]

"Seeeenpai! There you are! I was looking all over for you! Why didn't you say you weren't at school!"

"Sorry, sorry! I just had something I had to take care of. You know how it is!"

"Ehhh? You were gone for a week already! What could keep you so busy?"

"Well, I could tell you! Come on, I've got the time now!"

---

A soft laugh echoed through one of the rooms in Atlas Corp's medical sector. A room that had been occupied by the girl that had done much to save the city of Mimoto just a few hours prior, and the woman that she held near and dear to her heart even when they were forced against one another.

Mikai and Kaoru Fushimi. Jõtaider Mimoto, and her beloved Mother. They had been forced to fight thanks to the machinations of those that wanted to stand against the city, and despite their fight, they were smiling from ear to ear. The pain of fighting your own family has been washed away...

"You really should've told me, Mikai. Did you think I'd scold you for being a hero?" Kaoru asked, looking up at her sweet little daughter. The actual injuries that she had sustained hadn't healed, but she didn't blame her daughter for what she had done. She would never blame her for what she had done.

Mikai blushed a little as she looked away. "N-No, it's more... I didn't want to get you involved, Mom. I don't want to see the people I like hurt. So I thought that if I just kept a secret, then it wouldn't be a problem." She explained, laughing a little as she rubbed the back of her head. "But Spider found out somehow. Guess I messed up, huh?"

"Messed up's an understatement, little lady!" Her Mom chuckled back, a soft blush on her cheeks as well. "But if anybody had to save me, I'm glad it was you, Mikai. It's been so difficult seeing you down in the dumps for all these years. Seeing you smile like you did when you were young, seeing you bond with people and come home with friends... It's really made my heart heal." She let her relief spill out, before putting her hand over her heart and looking up at her sweet daughter. "I'm sorry I had to hurt you, Mikai. I must've been a really hard final boss."

Mikai nodded. "The hardest. But I guess I finally beat you, even when you were pulling out all the stops." She giggled, only for her eyes to light up. "Oh, right!" She cried out as she quickly climbed off her chair and dug through the bag of goodies she had brought with her. Mostly filled with different sorts of sweets and snacks that she needed to keep herself active after all that had happened and to share with her mom, but there was one more thing she had been saving for a special occasion.

Kaoru watched her daughter dig through that bag, only for her eyes to light up in turn as she pulled out a mug. A simple, yet delicate mug with '#1 Mom' written on the side. "Oh, Mikai. You shouldn't have. You know I'm happy just having you around. There's no better gift in the world than my sweet little daughter loving me back."

"Mmhm, I know that, Mom." Mikai said as she put the mug on the table by her Mom's current bed. "But I wanted to get it for you. Because that's how much I love you, Mom. There's no better Mom in the whole world, and she's mine!" The sandy-blonde girl chimed, grinning from ear to ear. She was as honest as ever. When would she ever tell a lie, especially right to her Mom's face?

Her eyes briefly widened as she suddenly felt her Mom's arms wrap around her. Squeezing her tight, as those aged lips met her cheek. She was pulled into a hug, a hug filled with the love a Mother had for her dearest and most important daughter. As the two softly but happily sobbed for a few seconds. Everything had come clean. Nothing would be hidden between the two. Never again.

Kaoru let go of her daughter with a smile, as she softly wiped away the tears. "You've probably got plenty to do, don't you, Mimoto?" She said, pride running through her words. "Then go. I'll get better before you know it."

"Thanks, Mom." Mikai said, sniffling and wiping away her own tears. The smile on her face was not bright because of her natural happiness. Not bright because of her responsibility and how ready she was to face it. It was bright because of the one who had just put all of her trust in her. With her Mom now putting her faith in her, knowing that she can handle herself, there was nothing that would stop her. "I'll keep you and everyone else safe. You just watch!"

Mikai rushed out of the room, a spring and endless energy in her step. Just like always, she was so quick on her feet. Drawing their eyes towards her, even if she didn't intend to. Because that was the kind of pull that a girl like her had. The kind of pull that endless positivity like hers had.

"I will. Thanks, Mikai." Kaoru muttered, as she laid her head back down against the pillow and closed her eyes, her hand still over her heart...

Mikai was just about to run off and tell the good news to her friends and her partner, only to be rather rudely stopped as somebody grabbed ahold of her collar while she ran by. Somebody much taller than her. Somebody whose mere presence was as cold as ice, yet had none of the same aesthetic elements as Yuuki-senpai or her fellow Yukionna...

"Who're you? And could you let go of me?" Mikai asked nicely, not even really struggling. Hiro had told her to be nice while she was visiting, so she didn't want to cause trouble. But she also didn't want to get captured or anything. If that was the kind of thing that the people at this place did! She didn't know what they did, she just knew who Hiro was, and who that cute kitty Byakko was!

The much taller woman, who had blue hair that was tied into a neat and controlled ponytail while she herself was clad in a white lab coat with a blue suit underneath, as well as adorned with draconic features like a set of tucked-in wings and a set of claws both above and below, calmly looked at the girl whose collar was stuck to one of her sharp looking claws. "Please stay for a moment, Mimoto. I would like to discuss something with you."

Mikai blinked as she heard that, and then gave the woman a couple more thorough looks. Monster for sure. Not unlike Byakko. In fact, the amount of monstrous elements visible on her were about the same as the ones that were on that short kitty. So maybe she was one of those big shots? She didn't have the Atlas Corp logo anywhere on her uniform either, just like Byakko. Which meant... Well, she didn't know what it meant. But it probably meant that she could be trusted. "Okay?" She said, still a little confused but ultimately just standing in place, even after she had her head turned towards the one-way window leading into the room where her Mom was resting.

"Your last opponent, Dictator M-" The blue-haired science-looking dragoness started to speak, only for Mikai to shoot her a stare. "...Your Mother. After your bout with her, we went through the trouble of scanning for any traces of the Jõtai Factor still remaining inside her. The factor that keeps those that have been transformed into Jõtaijin aligned with their corrupted selves."

"Wait, that's a thing?" Mikai asked. She thought it was just something that happened. As far as she understood, it wasn't possible to cure the effects of becoming a Jõtaijin because it was just an inevitability that the Jõtai brought forth. At least, that's what Charlotta-Sensei had told her. She had told her that the only things you could cure were the residual effects from Pawn Syndrome...

The blue-haired scientist nodded. "Contrary to every other enemy you've faced, whether it's been your classmates or your teachers... Every single Jõtai Factor we were able to find within them had the same exact depth. Whether they had been born as natural Monsters, like was the case for Miss Shimo, or if they had been naturally human, like Miss Mumei. But your Mother is different. The Jõtai Factor has been drastically reduced. Not to the point where she's cured, far from it, but most of the residual effects are locked away unless she actively wants to access them."

Mikai blinked for a few moments as she tried to understand what she was hearing. Which made it clear to the scientist that she had to dumb it down. "Your Mother isn't as badly affected by what Golden Freedom did to her. And I have my suspicions that it's because of that Light that came from you, Mimoto."

"My... Light?" The young girl muttered. That's right. She had been able to use a brand new form. Chimera had told her that it was her power too. Not something that had come from her. Was this the solution to the problem that the city was facing? The light of her inner power..? "...Do you think it can help the others if it's helped Mom?"

"I do not know. But I'm sure that we'll be able to find out." The blue-haired scientist said. "Because you'll be participating in an experiment of mine from this day onward, Mimoto. An experiment to put an end to this threat." Her voice was resolute and determined. And though her expression had been neutral for the duration of that conversation, a smile snuck its way onto her face at that point. "Doesn't that sound thrilling, Mimoto?"

Mikai blinked a bit more before nodding a bit. This dragon lady was weird, but she seemed like she wanted something good for the city, so... Yeah, probably wasn't that bad. "R-Right!" She said, her confused look turning into a worried smile. Right before she got tugged along. "W-Wait, where are we going?" Things were going a little too fast for her liking. She had just said bye to her Mom and gotten the confidence to fight everything, but that didn't mean she was actually ready!

She got no answer. Not until they reached their destination...

---

"Welcome, Mikai Fushimi. Welcome, Jõtaider Mimoto. I've been waiting so long to have a good chat with you, and it seems like the time has finally come!"

Those were the first words that Mikai heard as she was pulled out of the elevator leading to the penthouse floor of Atlas Corp's main building. Words that were a bit mature despite the young voice that spoke them. It only left her more confused as she slowly rubbed the back of her head, while watching the blue-haired scientist walk over to a designated spot with an almost cutesy dragon drawn on the floor.

As for the person talking to her, it was a young man that looked even shorter than her. In fact, no, he was definitely at least another head or so shorter than her. Wait, was he the boss? Hiro had told her about who she worked for, but despite the fact she kept calling him short, she had honestly expected somebody bigger. Like, she knew she was short, but Hiro was kinda tall, so she expected somebody around her height if not a little bigger!

"You know I can read your face, right, Mikai?" The young man with the very fancy white suit and the ruffled white hair and the piercing red eyes said, all while he climbed out of his chair and walked around his desk, proving that he was indeed shorter than the sandy-blonde girl that had saved the city time and time again. "Yes, I am naturally that short. And yes, I am the boss. Atlas Grimwald, CEO, President, Owner, whatever you can call the boss of Atlas Corp applies to me. A pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"Short." Mikai said, pointing straight at the short-statured boss as he twitched slightly. Well, he expected her to be blunt due to all the intel that Hiro had fed her, but this was a bit much. "But short's not bad! Nice to meet you, Atlas!" She chimed, stepping towards the boy and reaching out with her hand.

He looked towards that hand, then the girl that had offered it, before softly laughing as he took it and shook it. "Nice to meet you too, Mikai. And thank you for offering to help." He said, prompting the girl to slightly tilt her head. "Isn't that what you say? All it takes to help somebody is to reach out? Well, you've reached out to take my hand, so I'm trusting you to help out. We've got quite a few problems in this city, and having you officially on our side will be a boon in that regard."

Well, she couldn't argue there. And it's not like she didn't want to help out the city. And those were her words. So it's not like she had a choice, especially since Hiro was also working here. "Well, I'll do it! Me and Hiro've been doing great already, so we'll do great still! Just let us know when Jõtaijin spring up, and we'll deal with them in no time flat!"

"I expect you to. But that's not why I had Seiryu pull you up here. I wanted to introduce you to the people you'll be working with, as a contracted Heroine of the city. We'll let people know of your allegiance and your identity. I know you've been trying to keep it hidden, but this too is a gamble to make all of this easier for us. With your identity out in the open, Golden Freedom will be pushing towards your allies even more... Which makes them more predictable." Atlas explained, before clearing his throat. "You're all here, you know. You could at least speak up and introduce yourselves to the girl instead of letting me do all the work."

Mikai blinked a little as she looked around. There were six girls of various sizes and shapes standing in this penthouse, besides herself. And besides the dragon that had been pulling her up to this penthouse, two more of them looked familiar. Because one of them was Hiro, and the other was that cute kitty that she had introduced to her. Seeing the former prompted Mikai to start waving, which caused Hiro to smile in turn.

"Ahem." The blue-clad scientist spoke, drawing attention back towards her. "I suppose since I've been the one to retrieve Mimoto, I should introduce myself first. I am the Head of the Biotech division at Atlas Corp, and the Azure Dragon of the East, Seiryu. After hearing everything from Hiro, as well as seeing the effects your latest transformation had on your recent enemy, I pressed the issue towards Atlas. Having you on our side will not only accelerate the data I'll be gathering for my experiment, but it will also centralize the efforts to protect Mimoto." She introduced herself, before carefully dusting her lab coat off ever slightly. "I would like to continue my experiments in peace. And Golden Freedom has done too much to disturb them for me to idly sit by."

A scoff echoed through the air, courtesy of the gray-haired and much shorter cat who Mikai had previously seen. She wasn't as short as Atlas, in fact she was roughly the same height as Mikai, though her fluffy hair and fluffy tail that she used as a belt only served to make her look more adorable. Combine that with the white suit, white shirt and white skirt that matched Hiro's, and she looked as formal as an adorably tiny girl like her could. "You've met me before, Mikai, but let's just get this over with. I am Byakko, Head of IT here at Atlas Corp, and the White Tiger of the West. I've been serving as the main developer of many of Hiro's different gadgets and gizmos, and have been her primary Mission Control during these last few months. Which means you'll also be hearing a lot from me from now on, Mikai!"

"Don't you worry about little Byakko, Mikai. She's not going to bite. Even if she seems all grumpy and stiff, she just hasn't had her milk yet. If you get her a bottle from Hiro's minifridge, you'll get to see a much nicer side of her." The tallest woman out of the six that were introducing themselves spoke up in a maternal way, letting out a soft giggle as she saw her much smaller friend get suitably peeved with her explanation. Then again, what would you expect from a woman who looked like the best years of her life had come and gone, and yet she still remained positive despite her age? Those scales on her arms and her face, black as obsidian, made it hard to truly notice the wrinkles that accompanied them.

"But where are my manners? It's nice to meet you, Mikai. I am Genbu. I handle Construction and all sorts of heavy lifting around Atlas Corp. I'm also known as the Black Tortoise of the North, but you really shouldn't use that. It's more of an old nickname, and it might get unsavory types to pop up thinking they can still take me on. But, heh." Genbu introduced herself, before letting her scaled arms flex to contrast her black shirt and her jacket being wrapped around her waist. Despite her age, she was the physically strongest of the lot. And she wasn't afraid to show it.

A soft clap resounded from the last of the four Monsters that served Atlas, a beautiful red-haired woman whose crimson hues weren't just limited to her hair. It spread out across her wings and her dress as well, all of it matching as she carefully chuckled. "It's not often that we're all together like this. Seiryu. Byakko. Genbu. And of course, myself." The elegant woman said as she curtsied towards the girl that had helped the city so much. "Thank you, Mikai. It's a pleasure to meet the girl that has allowed many more to witness my fashion. But of course, you'd like to know who I am as well. I am Suzaku. Most products that Atlas Corp sell, whether aesthetically or physically, have been designed by me. I am also the Vermilion Bird of the South, and should you ever come to too much harm... I may extend one of my precious feathers to you. It would be a real shame if our brand new partnership came to such an abrupt end."

Mikai was in awe of the four powerful Monsters that served Atlas Corp. Because they weren't just pretty in each their own way, but she could physically feel the pressure that was coming from them. Just being in their presence was making it a little hard to stay standing. Maybe it was because of those cute drawings on the floor, maybe that was what suppressed their energy. Or maybe they were just being nice. But still, there were two more women that hadn't officially introduced themselves...

Hiro blinked a little. All attention had fallen on her. "Do I really have to? We've fought alongside each other for at least two months now." She muttered, a blush on her cheeks as she cleared her throat. Fine, if she had to be as formal as possible. "Hiro Fukano. Jõtaider PAWN. Though I do not hold the same prestige as the Saints of Atlas Corp, Atlas has personally chosen me to stand at his side, and it was because of this loyalty and this role that I was chosen as the user of the PAWN System. While we may have started on the wrong foot, I'm glad that we can fight together side by side, Mikai. PAWN and Mimoto, united as one." She said, before quietly playing with her ponytail. She didn't like having the spotlight shined on her. Even if that had happened way too much lately...

Finally, a soft chuckle echoed from the woman that stood at Hiro's side. Mikai had not seen her before, though something about her made her spine tingle. Maybe it was because of that eerie smile on her face. Or maybe it was because she looked like Hiro's opposite in terms of colors. Like she was looking at two identical women barring very small differences. "I've heard so much from Hiro about you, Mikai. But to think you're this small, yet this devoted. Maybe I should go ahead and fill out that marriage form after all. That's what you wanted me to do, right, Hiro?"

Laughter echoed through the room at the skunk-haired heroine's expense, while Hiro just narrowed her eyes. "Since when did you have one of those, and since when did you have this bright idea? I don't remember telling you that I had any feelings for her in that way." She didn't like being teased in that way. There were a lot of ways to tease her, but teasing her about her feelings was the one she wouldn't tolerate.

"Oh, that's right. It's totally not love that's driven you to- '' And before the white-haired and black-suited woman got much of a chance to spill any more valuable info, she found her mouth crammed full of Hiro's hand, preventing her from saying more than she needed to. All while the rest of the penthouse's current guests laughed, besides Mikai who just looked quizzically at the duo like she missed something.

After Hiro pulled her hand out and let her enemy speak once again, the white-haired woman chuckled and giggled. "Anyway, now that we're done with Hiro, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Qilin, and my sole job as long as I live is to serve Atlas. Everything for his sake, everything for his vision. So if there's ever anything he wants from you or Hiro, Mikai, you can expect to hear it from me. Not that I think he'll be too worried about the two heroines that've done so much for Mimoto, ehehehe."

Mikai looked at all the pretty ladies. All the strong ladies. All the people that served Atlas and did everything to make sure that Atlas Corp was running as perfectly as possible, while still devoting time to protecting the city that housed them. It wasn't like they were just taking advantage. They wanted to keep the people that bought from them or worked for them happy. At least, that's what it looked like to her.

So she smiled. And she chuckled. And then she laughed. "You're all really cool!" She had to admit. Whether it was the scientist who told her about the potential she had to help people out with her powers, or the cute secretary-like programmer who was the same size as her, or the strong lady who seemed like she had seen her fair share of cool fights, or the fancy lady who designed all the neat products that Atlas Corp put out. Even the weird black-clad lady who teased Hiro was kinda cool!

And of course, Hiro was the coolest of them all. So much so that Mikai ran over and gave her a hug. A tight hug. "Thanks, Hiro!" She chimed. It wasn't just thanks for what she had done the last day or so, but also thanks in general. Because she understood the value that their partnership had. The value that it had brought to their heroic acts and what they had done for the city.

Byakko softly gagged. Seiryu calmly watched. Genbu let out a soft grandmotherly chuckle, and Suzaku hid a smile behind her hand. And Qilin just skipped her way over to her boss, whispering right into his ear. All while his scarlet eyes quietly shined.

"Well, now that we're done with introductions, I'm sure you'd love to spend more time and get to know the Saints. However..." Atlas said, clearing his throat slightly. "We have a bit of a situation. I need the Saints to stay here with me for the next few hours, as well as Qilin. Hiro, you know what you have to do with Mikai, don't you?"

The skunk-haired woman nodded softly, as she took a deep breath... Before lifting Mikai into her arms. Almost like she would a bride. All while blushing from cheek to cheek. "We'll be taking our leave." She said, departing into the elevator before the young girl had much of a chance to question any of that.

All that Mikai got to see before the doors to the elevator closed, and the higher ups of Atlas Corp started to discuss amongst themselves, was the grave expression upon their faces. Was something wrong..?

---

"You don't have to carry me, Hiro."

"I know."

"Then why are you carrying me?"

"Because."

"Because?"

"Because I always wanted to try it."

"Oh! Okay!"

Mikai giggled as the tension in the air gradually vanished as the two proceeded towards their destination. She didn't know where they were headed, but she didn't really bother getting out of her partner's arms as they walked together. Because it was nice being held by Hiro like this.

"...What do you think of them, Mikai?" Hiro asked, as she looked down upon the sandy-blonde girl in her arms. "Those Saints that serve Atlas? The people that ultimately rank above me in the hierarchy of Atlas Corp?" She continued, before her eyes shadowed ever slightly. "And that annoying woman who keeps trying to get the better of me?"

"You really don't like her, huh?" Mikai said, chuckling a bit. Well, they did seem to be at each other's throats, so she didn't blame her. It was not nearly as violent as how her and Agatha's relationship had started, so it was probably okay. "I think they're nice. Byakko's probably the nicest, since I met her before. Genbu's really nice, and really strong too. Suzaku's really pretty, even though she's got those boobs hanging out. And Seiryu..." She paused, before her smile widened a bit more. "Seiryu said that I had helped out my Mom with my power. So I think she's good even though she has that scary look on her face."

Hiro nodded and let out a deep sigh of relief, quietly letting the girl down in the process. "I've worked with them for about ten years now. I've seen the different sides to their personalities. And I just wanted to hear what you thought about them." She explained, before adjusting her sleeves ever so slightly. "Honestly, what surprises me the most is how Seiryu's noticed your potential. She's always been so quiet, so focused on her tasks... If she's taken an interest, then I have to admit that I'm a little worried."

"It's going to be fiiiiine, Hiro. Don't worry about it!" Mikai chimed, patting her partner on the back. "She wouldn't hurt me. Probably!" She really didn't know if it was going to be fine. But she liked to think it would be. Which was why she smiled with that blind confidence in her eyes.

Hiro just shook her head and smiled as well. "Come on. There's somebody that's been waiting for us. Somebody that you know very well. Well, at least somewhat." She explained, guiding Mikai deeper and deeper into Atlas Corp in the process.

The process of getting to their destination was actually pretty difficult. More so than Mikai could've expected. It involved going through so many identical corridors that she was starting to have things swirling around her head. How many times had they turned left in the last three minutes? It was almost as bad as when she was playing racing games against her Mom!

Eventually, they reached their destination... An unassuming door near the front desk of Atlas Corp's foyer. Which just made Mikai raise her eyebrow. Why did they go the long way if that's where they had to end up?

"Better be ready. I know you guys were planning something when I had to buy time, but you better not have been watching!" Hiro shouted as she opened the door, revealing what was essentially a small club house. Nothing too amazing, nothing too thrilling. In fact, it seemed out of place considering what the rest of the company was like. But indeed, just like Hiro had said, there were a couple of familiar faces sitting inside the room. A marble-skinned dog, an icy-haired girl, and a soft-hearted older brunette.

"Mumei-chan! Yuuki-senpai! Charlotta-sensei!" Mikai grinned from ear to ear. "What are you three doing here? What's with the clubroom?" The girl paused as she just processed what Hiro had been saying. "Wait, were they trying to give us time to our-"

Mikai was cut off by Hiro carefully petting her and slowly closing her mouth, as the three guests started to chuckle while their heroes stepped inside. They were a sight for sore eyes, those two. They had been enemies for just a few moments, and now they were the best of friends. Well, to an extent. As friendly as an adult and a young girl could be.

"Good work, Mikai! You should've seen me and Senpai fight against all those Pawns though! She did all sorts of cool ice stuff and helped me swing harder with my sword!" Mumei-chan chimed, wagging her little stone tail as she thought back to that fun fight. Well, fun might've not been the best way to describe it, but there was a certain kind of feeling that pumped through her when she fought alongside the icy Student Council member...

Yuuki laughed a bit, grinning from ear to ear. "You did really well, Mikai. You've grown a lot since we first saw each other. To think I'd rip out your heart in my delusions!" She laughed, before her expression grew a bit somber and apologetic. "You're not hurt over me doing that, right? I didn't know what I was thinking. I didn't even know my own strength when I was like that, if I have to be honest."

Mikai shook her head as she came closer. "It's okay, Yuuki-senpai. Even if I was mad, you helped out when I needed you. So either we're even, or I owe you one. You decide!" She giggled, giving her white-haired Senpai a hug to make sure she wasn't going to dwell on it more than she already had.

Yuuki blushed from ear to ear as she felt the warmth from her kouhai flush over her, causing that cool girl to lose her charisma for a few moments. All while Mumei-chan let out gasps in shock. Forbidden love, right before her eyes! At least, that's what she had heard stuff like this be called. Maybe she had watched a few too many shows...

Hiro just smiled at the sight of youths bonding, before looking towards Charlotta. "Would you mind explaining why they're here, Doctor Charlotta? You're the one who asked for them to join us, after I managed to rescue you from the clutches of Golden Freedom."

"Yes, about that." The brunette smiled as she softly cleared her throat. "Mikai. Thanks to everything that you've done, we've been able to breathe and slowly treat not only the Pawns that have been suffering from Pawn Syndrome, but also the Jõtaijin like Mumei-chan and Yuuki who still have lingering Jõtai Factors within them. But the recent wave of Pawns leaves my hands a little tied, and since these girls seem capable, I decided that it might be for the best if we put our heads together and unite our efforts."

Mikai tilted her head a little. "So... The reason why this place looks like a clubhouse is because..?" She could almost put it together. Almost. Having Yuuki and Mumei-chan helping her out made sense, but she didn't really understand how it tied into those Jõtai factors.

"Because they decided to make our club an official part of Atlas Corp!" Mumei-chan giggled, showing off her brand new badge. The makeshift badge that had a couple of letters written on it now had a human hand shaking a marble-textured hand, not unlike her own. "We're the Jõtaijin Outreach Unit! We're assigned to make sure that Jõtaijin, as well as their victims, are brought in and taken care of as quickly as possible. Yuuki and I, as well as any of the others that want to help volunteer, take care of rehabilitating the people that have turned into Jõtaijijn, while Charlotta-sensei does her best to speed up the treatment for all the Pawns that still need their Pawn Syndrome suppressed!"

"Not just that." Yuuki said, gently pushing Mikai off her so she wouldn't feel as embarrassed. "Turns out that my power's a lot more effective than they originally imagined. You remember how I froze the hearts of Pawns so they would keep their PASSION at the highest possible level? Well, I can do that to those that still suffer from Pawn Syndrome as well. So if Charlotta-sensei isn't ready to treat them, I can give them an extension and keep them under control. Freeze the access that the other Pawns would have, and make sure they don't get lured in by the promise of being transformed again!" The icy-haired girl laughed. Turns out having been transformed into an enemy hadn't been so bad after all. If only because she could use this brand new version of her power for a good cause!

Mikai's eyes brightened at the sound of all of that. It would make things so much easier. She had to do a lot of work behind the scenes to make sure that the Jõtaijin ended up at the club before, but now that they were an official thing, it would be a lot easier. And maybe with this, Pawns wouldn't become nearly as big a problem. They just had to make sure that Golden Freedom didn't find another way to undermine all of this.

"Thanks, Charlotta-sensei! We're really going to save the city like this, I can't believe it!" Mikai giggled, her heart just filled with happiness. The confidence from being accepted by her Mom, the hope of using her brand new Light for something good, and now having two strong friends as her allies regarding everything revolving around recovering the people that had turned into Jõtaijin... It was all going great.

Charlotta chuckled, and Hiro smiled in turn as the three younger girls joined together and hugged like a team. The sight of youth making connections and making the world a better place. It was what women like them lived to see.

"You really don't have to thank me, Mikai. You should thank your Principal. She's the one who allowed for all of this to be arranged. Especially considering the issues that cropped up regarding all the Pawns that attacked yesterday." Charlotta explained, that soft smile still on her face. Yes, it was all thanks to her, and Hiro for making sure she hadn't been taken advantage of...

*Ahem* "I'm glad to see you all in high spirits."

The girls and women within the Jõtaijin Outreach Unit's headquarters turned their heads towards the door, as they saw a woman that not many had laid their eyes on in quite a while. Because nobody but the teachers really bothered heading to the principal's office. Nobody wanted to bother her, considering the difficulties that the school had been experiencing as a result of all these Jõtaijin. They thought that it would be best to leave her alone to handle all the politics from the comfort of her quiet office...

She was a blonde woman with short hair that just barely hovered over her shoulders. Piercing yet gentle red eyes, and a soft shaded suit with the same colors as the uniforms that most of the girls and boys at school wore. The main thing that stood out about her was the personal touch she added, that being a nice crimson tie to go with her red eyes. And despite being a recluse, she was still beautiful. It seemed like she had a firm grasp on personal grooming...

"Principal Rose." Hiro said, gently bowing her head. "I'm grateful for everything that you've done to aid Atlas Corp. While I'm certain it's mostly to secure funding, the fact you've put so much trust in us to handle the affairs that plague your school-"

"Now now, Hiro." Principal Rose said, her soft red lips puckered together as she placed them right on that pale skinned woman's cheek. "Do you forget what I told you when you approached me for this partnership? I want to see my students safe. Golden Freedom, whoever they are, shouldn't claim the lives of these young girls and boys. And if you and your boss can help with that, then I'm more than willing to let you run around without a leash." She chimed and chuckled, as her eyes fell upon the brunette that had been such a help. "Besides, it allows me to keep in close contact with my dear wife. What else could a busy woman like myself want?"

As Charlotta chuckled, the pin dropped for the three students, with Hiro staying quiet as she slowly wiped off the lipstick that had smeared onto her cheek.

"Charlotta-sensei's married to our Principal?!" Mikai and Mumei-chan shouted in unison, with Yuuki letting out a laugh from the depths of her belly as she should've realized this from the very beginning. There was a reason why she was one of the few people allowed to go visit the Principal on a regular basis!

"Oh, Rose. You really want to be so blunt about it? These kids have had such a rough day, this isn't the time to play lovey dovey." Charlotta sighed as she shook her head. Her dear wife was a handful. And even then, she kept a loving smile on her lips. Because she couldn't stay mad at her.

Rose chuckled. "I don't know what you're talking about, darling. This is the perfect time to play lovey dovey. A little brevity to lighten the mood, especially after everything they've been through." She said, before turning her attention towards Mikai. And she kneeled down, letting her look straight into the girl's eyes a bit easier. "So, this is the hero I've been hearing so much about from my dear Charlotta? Mikai Fushimi, Jõtaider Mimoto? What a cute little thing you are."

Mikai nodded. And yet as she looked upon this woman, she seemed... Familiar. She couldn't put her finger on it. It was just something about the affectionate way she treated people. "You helped with all of this, Miss Rose?"

"Helped is a bit of an exaggeration. Hiro's the one that did most of the work. I only requested that she got in contact with my dear Charlotta, since she had begun to independently research all of this Pawn and Jõtaijin nonsense because it was getting in the way of her work. The fact they got along so swimmingly has only brought a smile to my face. Especially since you girls have been able to get through without too much trouble." Rose explained, before chuckling. "Well, I'd say too much trouble, but you were forced to fight your Mother, Mikai. I'm sure that must've been difficult. Don't forget to talk to Charlotta if you need any support. She's great for that, it's her profession after all."

Mikai nodded, looking to the doctor, her two friends, Hiro, and now the Principal. She had so much support... Compared to when her role was barely known, compared to when she was starting out and just getting a hang of things, everything had certainly turned around. To think so many people would care for her...

"Thanks, Principal Rose. Thanks, Charlotta-sensei. Thanks, Yuuki-senpai. Thanks, Mumei-chan. And thanks, Hiro!" Mikai grinned from ear to ear. She'd hug them all if she could. But for now, she was content to just give them thanks for everything they had done for her. Even if it was just something small.

They all smiled. Even Hiro gave a bigger smile than normal. Because their friend deserved to see them smile after what she had done. It was her reward. Knowing the happiness of those that she had influenced.

It was the reward that a heroine like her had earned so many times over...

---

A scant few hours later, as the sun began to set, everyone began heading home. And instead of heading home to the house that had been well and truly wrecked as a result of her fight against her Mom, Mikai headed home with Hiro.

The evening sun was still shining ever so slightly. Barely illuminating the path and casting its orange evening glows onto the two heroines. They had been through a lot ever since they first crossed paths. Fighting against one another, only to then bond and find themselves as friends. Rivals? Partners? Allies? More than that? She wasn't quite sure what to call them, but partner was what she defaulted to. No matter what, she was going to trust that Hiro could keep her safe. And as long as she trusted her to do the same, she'd try to fulfill that trust. Because that's what partners did.

Darkness started to swallow the world around her, though not for long. Because Chimera manifested at her side, that mishmash of animals given human form as one of the apex predators from the years gone past. That woman that had been there for her, giving her a light to follow until she grasped her own power.

"So, Mikai... Are you happy?" Chimera asked, as she walked right besides her host. Not resting on her. Not keeping her safe. Just walking by her side. As an equal. "Happy with what you've done? Happy with what you've caused? Or do you regret anything?"

Mikai thought about it for a brief moment as she looked at the setting sun, her eyes reflecting that somber glow. "I think I'm happy. I mean, I had to fight Mom, but she turned out alright." She explained, holding out her hands as she quietly started counting. "I have so many friends now. Friends that want to help me. Friends that tell me how happy they are that I helped them. And friends that want my help before we've even become friends. So I think I'm satisfied." She continued, before looking towards the white-suited woman that led her down this quiet path leading towards the outer parts of the city. "And... If there's anything I regret..."

"You regret something?" Chimera said, an eyebrow raised. Only for her to notice where the girl was looking, and a soft smile made its way onto her face. "Ah. I see. You regret not helping her out earlier?"

Mikai shook her head. "Nope. I couldn't have helped her then. We needed to have that fight. Otherwise we wouldn't have been friends." She said with surprising insight pouring through her voice. "I regret not hearing what Qilin said. What did Hiro do?"

Chimera paused and laughed. "Well, that's something for them to know and for us to think about. They're allowed to keep their secrets. I'm sure they've got their reasons." She said, stretching a bit. "Just like we've got our reasons to keep fighting against any baddies that might try to threaten the city. Isn't that right, Mikai?"

"Mmhm! You and me, Chimera!" The shorter girl said, slamming the palm of her hand against her chest. "Even with that Light, I won't forget your power. It's helped me thus far, and it'll help me until the very end!"

With that, Chimera softly patted her young host on the head, and slowly vanished. They didn't need to transport into her inner mind to discuss this time. Just walking along, a bit further behind the older woman, was more than enough for the two of them to discuss. And now that they had finished their little talk...

They had reached their destination. A quaint looking home that looked out over the river that circled around the city of Mimoto. A scenic view, even if it was a good deal away from the main part of the city. Hiro's house. Mikai didn't think that this was the kind of place that she'd want to live, considering her public persona. But it kinda fit her, when she thought about it a bit harder.

"You've been kinda lagging behind, Mikai. Is everything alright?" Hiro asked as she waited by the front door, watching the sun slowly but surely disappear in the distance. The stars would be visible soon, blanketing the night sky. They really should just go to bed soon...

Mikai shook her head. "Just had a few thoughts I needed to clear up. You know how it is!" She smiled from ear to ear. "Besides, I was thinking about your house! It doesn't look too cool or anything, but it sure looks cozy!"

"Cozy's right. This is the only place I feel at home. Not at work, not during my heroic time, just when I get to come home and sit down and relax." Hiro said. Only for her cheeks to flush bright red. Ah. That's right. "...Promise me that you won't laugh."

Mikai tilted her head, but she immediately understood as the door key was turned. The whole place was a mess. Tables turned, chairs tossed across the place, so much trash strewn over the floor. She hadn't cleaned, and it looked like some kind of monster had been through her home. If anything, it just looked tragic rather than funny. "What happened?"

"I lost a figure." Hiro admitted, shuffling inside as she started to clean everything up. "I thought I had managed to purchase each and every one of those figures. But one of them went missing. One of them, the one I had custom painted, had disappeared from my shelf. I had to look top to bottom for it." She explained further, as she sheepishly blushed harder. "Turns out that I hadn't woken up properly. It was on its shelf. I had just forgotten that I had painted it the night before."

Silence. Followed by a soft chuckle and a hug from Mikai, stopping Hiro from cleaning up more than she already had started to. "Well, it happens. I dunno if I'd go that far, but if it was that precious to me and it wasn't just something I could replace, then I think I'd be really upset and frantic too." She explained, before yawning. "But... I could really use..."

Before she even finished speaking, the girl practically fell over. Losing consciousness faster than she'd like to admit. Then again, she had just spent a lot of energy fighting the day before. The fact she had recovered in time to meet her Mom was a miracle in and of itself.

Hiro blinked as she watched Mikai lean up against her for support. Only for her to softly smile as she picked up her sweet friend and helped her upstairs. Into the room that was decorated from top to bottom in all sorts of nerdy apparel. Whether it was the posters that depicted different dorky series or bands that she had gotten into, or the shelves covered in figurines including all of the figurines that she had bought of Mimoto... Or the quaint and quiet desk in the corner of the room, which had two pictures resting on it. Two pictures dear to her, showing the women that had taught her everything she knew, and the girls that had once worked under her.

For now, even though she'd feel nothing but shame when Mikai woke up, she should just help her sleep. Which was why she let the young sandy-blonde lay down on the bed, all while pulling the blankets down to make sure that she could sleep comfortably and warm...

Only to stop prematurely and climb in herself, letting the blankets cover them both up to their shoulders as she placed a soft kiss on her friend and partner's forehead. All while she too started to get overwhelmed by the exhaustion from the day before, a single line leaving her lips...

"Thanks, Mikai. For everything."

---

"Woooow! You went to Fukano-sensei's house! You're really lucky, Senpai!"

In the present, two young girls were sitting in the middle of Mimoto Park. One just barely older than the other. One with sandy blonde hair, and the other with mud-shaded dirty blonde hair. And though they had never been seen together before, they seemed so familiar with one another. Probably due to their school uniforms being the same, indicating that they were at least both from Mimoto Highschool.

"Mmhm! She's actually really nice when you get to know her! Sure, she's got that really mean look if you mess something up, but underneath all that sharp stuff, there's a really nice heart. I don't know anybody that's as nice as Hiro." The sandy blonde, Mikai of course, said with a smile. "I could introduce you to her, if you want!"

"Oh, no, I'm fine. She's nice and all, but she's not the one I'm interested in." The dirty blonde said with a small smile. "I'm just glad you're okay, Senpai. You were hard to find, so I was worried that something might've happened to you."

Mikai nodded and nervously chuckled. She had been a bit reckless. "Ahaha... By the way, do I know you?" She asked the obvious question, a little bit of sweat dripping down the side of her head. "I'm sorry, I've just kinda forgotten a lot of people since I started being a hero, so..."

"Ahaha, of course, Senpai. I don't blame you for forgetting. It's been a while since we talked. But you're my best friend, Senpai." The muddy-blonde said as she slowly stood up, and smiled while reaching out to her Senpai.

"I'm Kimiko Namishi. Your best friend, Mikai-senpai!"

---

"You two sure took your sweet time."

In the depths of Mimoto, Golden Freedom gathered once more. With King Cobra greeting the two that had decided to join them so late at night. This happened a few days ago, on the official reveal of the Jõtaijin Outreach Unit and Mimoto joining with Atlas Corp in an official matter. And it had also been a few days since they had properly gathered. Mostly because they had that wonderful plan to carry out.

"Running a school is hard work, Cobra." Baroness Bat said, adjusting her dress ever slightly. "Especially a school I had to keep a close eye on, to make sure that nothing went wrong with our plan. Do you know how hard it is to keep track of that many Pawns? Especially when I don't have full control over how far their Pawn Syndrome has progressed or regressed?"

The green-haired femboy grinned from ear to ear. "If you had just asked me to keep control over them, we wouldn't have had that problem. But no, you just had to make sure that D'Or got cleared of suspicion. Seriously, what made you think they were getting so close to that climax?" Cobra said, teasing his blonde ally before stretching a bit. "Then again, caging them up so they won't notice anything is a good move too, I'd just rather keep it all hanging out until it's too late."

"Now now, Cobra." The sweet voice of Golden Freedom's leader resounded, as D'Or carefully stepped inside. That soft brown hair, that soft gaze, and that elegant taste in clothing. Even now, she looked less like a leader and more like a decoy trying to seem fashionable. "Rose only did what she thought was appropriate. As I've told you all many times before, as long as you follow your desires, I'm more than happy to see you carry them out."

Cobra shrugged his shoulders, all while bending his body so extremely that his head ended up between his thighs. "You might want to check on those two. Spider was throwing a fit when she came back, and though she's gotten quiet, I dunno if that's because the new kid's done something or because she's just tuckered herself out. Not my responsibility to check on 'em."

"I will. Thank you for keeping an eye out while we were busy, Cobra. If you want, you can go have as much fun as you'd like." D'Or said, stopping right by the extremely flexible boy and petting him on the head. As a mild reward for being such a good boy. "And I'll let Spider know that you were worried. Even if it's in your own kind of way."

Cobra laughed a bit while blushing, before leaving both his boss and her wife behind as he ventured into the night. He wanted to blow off some steam. Fighting PAWN hadn't been too fun for him.

"Were you really bothered by me showing up to work?" Rose asked as the two walked deeper into the hideout, brushing away one of the walls to reveal a hidden passage that led deeper yet deeper into the underground. To a particular room that had been saved just for the four of them and any new guests that they might have. "You never said we couldn't meet like that, and I genuinely just wanted to check up on them. Mikai as well. The energy, the determination in her eyes... She's certainly grown since the time I fought her."

D'Or smiled softly as they stopped right outside the door leading into one of the innermost chambers in their surprisingly large hideout. "You could've at least called ahead, Rose. I didn't even get the chance to make you any coffee." She chimed, in that reassuring and cozy tone.

Rose blushed. "Y-Yes, I suppose I should've. Sorry, dear." Ah, how could she have been so foolish. Not thinking ahead...

"It's alright, Rose. Even when you mess up, you'll still be my sweetheart. My adorable wife, who's always been by my side." D'or said, pecking her blonde and villainous wife on the cheek, before clearing her throat a bit and opening the door.

The room itself wasn't anything special. Just a bedroom with a couple of medical supplies lining the walls. It was where any of the members of Golden Freedom would go, should they need treatment from fighting against somebody that could deal with them. Whether it was Mimoto, PAWN, or anybody else akin to them.

Carefully resting underneath the covers was General Spider, her body trembling with every few seconds that passed. Even if she hadn't been critically injured by fighting against Mimoto, she had been emotionally strained by that fight. Mostly because of how soundly Mikai had bested her scheme. And sitting on the edge of that bed was her golden savior, the egyptian-themed armored ally that had plucked her away from danger when it was about to come crashing down.

"Charlotta D'Or." The one in the golden armor spoke, as she trained her eyes on the woman that had recruited her. "With this, my end of the initial bargain has come to an end. And that means I am free to act, just like your other partners, am I not? You wouldn't just promise me all of this, the chance to be what I truly should be, just to keep me leashed and play along with your script. Would you?"

D'Or chuckled. "You really should stick to Lady D'Or, dear. You might just let a few too many words slip." The brunette said, before nodding softly. "Indeed. You've helped with the conversion of Aimi Sasaki, proving that you've internalized the power of the Jõtai I gave you. Not only that, but the effects are roughly as potent as the rings you crafted for Spider, Cobra and Bat. Rather impressive too, considering how little time I gave you to replicate the ring I had given Katsuo Maki. I would definitely consider this more than enough."

"I asked about the Blacksmithing Club for a reason." The golden-armored individual said, before slowly letting that golden armor sink into her, revealing a girl with long cyan locks and a dim look in her eyes. A look that only one as desperate and as frustrated as her would have. "Lady D'Or. Will you allow me to do as I please, while making an effort to free those that need our Golden Freedom?"

D'Or nodded. And she smiled. "You've done more than enough. This entire city is your playground, and until we free everyone, even our enemies, our mission will not come to an end. Do as you wish, Saki Himitsu. Do everything you could ever want. As the latest member of Golden Freedom, and the one who's shown so much potential already."

"Jõtaider Kanzei."